Together with Moldova, Kosovo is probably going for being the the very least frequented and recognized region in Europe.
The Balkans are getting recognition and attracting 1000s of tourists every month. But Kosovo tourism is just starting to prosper.
Quite a few remain unaware of your existence of Kosovo, the youngest country in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Just one vacationer attraction is there, and it's not amongst Balkan highlights. This a single is Prizren. Most vacationers will never know this just one if they talk to about places to visit in Kosovo.
I are already to Kosovo two times to date, and I'm able to let you know the nation has a whole lot to supply site visitors who tend to be more adventurous and curious.
This is certainly my little cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It can help you determine what to do in Kosovo.
Can it be worthwhile to go to Kosovo?
It is crucial to begin with the fundamentals.
There's a chance you're wanting to know whether it is well worth checking out Kosovo once the nearby nations around the world are so attractive and appealing (I'm considering Albania and Montenegro), Croatia, Bosnia), but my response is easy: Sure.
Kosovo tourism isn't yet perfectly-acknowledged. It's only visited by some those who usually are not concerned to venture into not known territory.
It is an extremely desirable place to go to, as every little thing feels real instead of made for visitors. Kosovo's currency is Euro. But that does not indicate it is expensive!
My beloved areas in Kosovo: Exactly what are you seeking?
Together with Moldova, Kosovo is probably going for being the least frequented and identified state in Europe.
The Balkans are getting popularity and attracting 1000s of vacationers each and every month. But Kosovo tourism is only starting to prosper.
Lots of are still unaware of the existence of Kosovo, the youngest region in Europe. It declared independence in February 2008.
Just one tourist attraction is there, and it's actually not among Balkan highlights. This one particular is Prizren. Most travelers will never know this a person if they inquire about destinations to go to in Kosovo.
I have already been to Kosovo 2 times so far, and I'm able to inform you that the nation has quite a bit to supply readers who are more adventurous and curious.
That is my minimal cheat-sheet on Kosovo tourism. It will allow you to come to a decision how to proceed in Kosovo.
Is Kosovo Secure?
It truly is all over again a YES.
It was a sense of complete security that I expert continuously.
Whilst there were tensions in Kosovo not way too way back, and there remain tensions there, holidaymakers browsing Kosovo don't have anything to be concerned about.
I traveled alone and did not expertise any awkward conditions. I do not know another tourists who experienced any troubles in Kosovo.
All people was so welcoming and prepared to assistance even when they didn't have the time. I had been in Prizren and Pristina at night (mostly in central but still) and not a single man or woman bothered me.
Resulting from The actual condition in Kosovo, there are plenty of overseas forces that glance following the region.
It is feasible to find out soldiers marching up and down Pristina's major boulevard. Even so, there is absolutely no explanation to be troubled. They merely want to look terrific and act like They are really over a runway.
You can be fantastic, much like in all places else. Use your typical perception And do not do anything at all you wouldn't in your house. Kosovo is rather Risk-free
What can you see in Kosovo
Whilst Kosovo isn’t by far the most wonderful region within the Balkans, it does have its times.
Although the cities will not be essentially the most stunning, likelihood is you are going to tumble in enjoy with its cafes and vibe, landscape, individuals, and beautiful landscapes. Kosovo has a great deal to provide vacationers!
Here are my prime picks for locations to discover in Kosovo
Prizren
The second most significant city in Kosovo, plus the Previous Town is a shocking gem. Prizren is the location to go in Kosovo if you want to see all of it.
You may have witnessed the Image in the aged stone bridge, mosque and lush mountains within the qualifications. Which is Prizren! It really is more lovely in genuine lifetime!
The Old Town bustles with quite a few cafes and eating places.
Shadervan, the leading sq., seems to often be comprehensive of people just hanging out and undertaking their business enterprise.
Kaljaja, the fortress with One of the more beautiful views in Kosovo, is the leading attraction of Prizren.
It is actually a short hike from your Outdated City to get to the prime, and you'll conveniently invest your complete working day there. Kaljaja is an excellent spot for being in Prizren, as well as Shadervan.
It is alleged to generally be probably the most gorgeous at sunset. I want I could confirm this, but as I used to be about climbing up there, a thunderstorm passed in excess of Prizren...
I actually hope to be back in Prizren for Dokufest, a world-well-known Worldwide Documentary and Quick Film Festival.
But I also need to check out the town and are in its backstreets, the place deserted properties are my dwelling. Prizren is a lot more than simply postcards!
Pristina
It can be One of the more wonderful capitals in Europe, but It is usually considered one of my favorites!
Pristina provides a lively, amazing, chic and cosmopolitan vibe.
You will discover very few monuments there. (Unless you talk about the National Library of Kosovo, which is the most remarkable brutalist setting up I've ever seen and the one which influenced my enjoy of this style of architecture. But Pristina can make it seem to be so remarkable.
This metropolis features a technique for Keeping you close and refusing to let go.
My Tale with Pristina was much like my love affair with Yerevan and Armenia. Immediately after my 1st go to, I had been a lot less considering town. It had been ok however it failed to blow my brain.
But, I began to consider Pristina much more commonly and dreamed of returning to it to learn more. Which was what exactly I did.
I invested four days in Pristina. It's the city that could be "performed in 2 hrs" and I would return in a very heartbeat!
My days ended up filled by several of my preferred cafes, brutalist architecture, mouth watering foods, heat evenings, and extraordinary persons.
Kosovska Mitrovica
This is among the most tricky area in Kosovo that I've ever planned to see.
The city is divided into two sections: the Southern (Albanian), and Northern (Serbian), with tensions in between them.
While I admit which i was a little bit nervous about browsing Mitrovica, I before long realized there was almost nothing to be scared of and my head was just playing tricks.
I am fascinated because of the divided city, and Mitrovica was a tremendous position to go to.
Every thing alterations as you cross the (blocked, guarded by Worldwide forces similar to the Italian Carabinieri bridge). The alphabet, forex, license plates, places of worship, and also the forex. Even individuals search diverse.
Whilst I could not decide which side I desired, Northern had among the list of Spomeniks though Southern had an exquisite cafe check here with umbrellas.
Politics aside, Mitrovica is a good day journey from Pristina. It's also essential-see when viewing Kosovo!
Peja/Pec
It is a getaway to Rugova Canyon, Prokletije Mountains, and the home of Patriarchate Of Pec - UNESCO World Heritage Website.
It was a relaxed city, with the very best coffee in Kosovo for 2EUR. There's great street art, decent bazaar and great Avenue artwork. I went to Patriarchate in Pec for espresso, but I failed to go.
Even though it was a good location to chill out, It's not necessarily the most well-liked of every one of the spots in Kosovo.
Peja is an excellent solution if you like mountains!
Gjakova
My most significant surprise in Kosovo! Gjakova was severely damaged during the war, but it is currently blooming yet again soon after the latest renovations!
The Grand Bazaar is a singular area with several craft workshops and cafes. It's the largest and oldest bazaar in Kosovo.
It is actually lined with cafes and decorated with artwork installations by MimozaRraci. It seems incredible. It's One of the more attractive regions I've found for cafes.
Gjakova is a great deal more than just that. The entire city as well as the encompassing mountains are a beautiful put to visit, making it an incredible day vacation from Pristina/Prizren.
Kosovo Tourism - Functional Info
How can I get to Kosovo?
There are lots of very low-Value flights towards the Balkans. You may fly direct from Germany, France or Hungary to Pristina (I flew from Berlin to Pristina for sixty EUR/return in Could 2016). Or you could journey to Skopje or Macedonia to take the bus to Kosovo. It is really so easy!
The journey from Skopje to Pristina usually takes just above two several hours. Buses depart significantly less routinely than every single hour. For a one particular-way ticket, I compensated 5EUR in November 2014 and will 2016.
Kosovo: Revenue
The currency of Kosovo could be the Euro.
To save money on journey, my number 1 tip is to work with Revolut Lender Card.
The card is shipped by mail within a subject of days. You need to use it any where on earth. The cardboard is usually topped up inside the application from your cellphone. You may have accounts in many currencies and exchange funds involving them at no cost and at really beautiful rates. It really is Tremendous simple and rapid to make use of the application to deal with your accounts.
Revolut accepts over 140 currencies, and lets you withdraw from any ATM any place on the globe. Revolut card continues to be excellent! I have utilised it in twelve unique nations around the world on three continents in the first six months and had no issues. The exchange charges ended up pretty aggressive and I had been able to save a lot of money!
Click Here to Learn More Concerning the Support and Purchase Your Revolut Card!
Community transport in Kosovo
I was pleasantly surprised by the excellent general public transportation process in Kosovo.
There are plenty of buses that operate involving metropolitan areas. Even though they may not be the ideal, These are low cost ample to have you with the 2-hour journey.
Bus stations will help you obtain the ideal bus, as Just about every spot has its very own platform. If it's not published somewhere individuals will point you in the appropriate route before you ask!
Have in mind, on the other hand, that the last bus may go away at six o'clock in the morning.
These are the ticket selling prices for Could 2016: Prizren–Gjakova 2,50EUR. Gjakova–Peja two,50EUR. Peja–Prizren 4EUR. Prizren–Pristina 3EUR. Pristina–Mitrovica 2EUR.
Stay in Kosovo
I stayed for two nights in Prizren (from there I did an tour to Gjakova, Peja and afterwards I was again in Pristina for 3 night time (by using a trip to Mitrovica).
You may as well elect to remain in Pristina and just take day outings. The nation is compact, and only 2 several hours generate from Each individual exciting area.
I stayed in a hostel in Pristina, which I did not recommend. Here are several other options!
It is possible to book your resort in Prizren if you are interested in being there (the a single I stayed at is not any much more readily available).
Travel insurance policies
I do not travel with no insurance since you hardly ever understand what could transpire and it is better for being Safe and sound than sorry ( I've realized my lesson).
I like to recommend SafetyWing, which provides the insurance plan that is especially created for tourists like you and me.